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As one of the five branches of the U.S. military -- and the only one that falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security -- the U.S. Coast Guard is a major employer of law enforcement professionals. Coast Guard law enforcement and security agents can be active or civilian, full-time or part-time.

Maritime Enforcement

Maritime enforcement specialists guard America's waterways on the hunt for smugglers, criminals and terrorists. They search boats for illegal activity and materials, such as weaponry or drugs, and guard locations and facilities against attack. Applicants for enforcement positions must be able to pass rigid background checks that prove the applicants have no felony or domestic violence arrests, because this job requires secret level security clearance and the carrying of firearms. Prior security experience is an asset, but is not necessary.

Investigative Service

Coast Guard investigative agents specialize in criminal and crime scene investigations, protective services and intelligence gathering. They collect, analyze and preserve physical evidence from crime scenes and are required to provide testimony in court. Investigative service positions require extensive worldwide travel to wherever the need might arise. Applicants must attend the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center before they turn 40, and must pass extensive criminal background checks in order to work in investigative services.

Counter-terrorism

A main component in the fight against terrorism is the inspection of boats and ships and the patrolling of harbors, oceans and other waterways to deter potential terrorists. Coast Guard counter-terrorism agents work with intelligence field operatives and support teams, and they monitor several sources of computerized information. Abroad, the Coast Guard works through the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations. Maritime security response teams, or MSRTs, are first responders to potential terrorist situations.

Alien Migration Enforcement

As the country's main enforcer of maritime law, the Coast Guard is responsible for enforcing immigration law at sea. Thousands of undocumented people try to enter the United States illegally by water every year, and the Coast Guard is tasked with denying illegal migrants entry to the country. These efforts also prevent the loss of life at sea, since most vessels carrying would-be immigrants are dangerously overloaded, not seaworthy or are otherwise unfit for human travel.